Here in Greece birthdays are not generally celebrated. Name days are. Your name day is the day dedicated to the saint after whom you were named; no Orthodox Greek, and there are few that are not, has a forename other than that of a saint. Today, according to the Greek Orthodox calendar, is St John’s day; my name day. Not being Greek I am not bound to celebrate, but my greek friends will expect it of me and, despite having celebrated my birthday, western style, but two days ago my chums among the ex-pat community will think it churlish of me to deny them an another excuse for a night out. I suppose, in consideration of the expectations of all these good folk, I must yet again sacrifice, solely for their sake, my annual post-birthday resolution to put away childish things.
Altruism is not always easy - but it can be sometimes!
5 comments:
Chronia Polla Iannis
Also belated Happy Birthday but as for "I must yet again sacrifice, solely for their sake,........" - I suspect you might still enjoy the sacrifice !!!!!! Have a wonderful evening. J&G
Such dedication to the needs of others is an inspiration to all. I don't think there is a Saint Insciens so I am just going to go for the day of our national saint here in Scotland. I look forward to the next Saint Andrew's Day with anticipation.
What a great custom! Saint John was a nice guy who would have wanted, like you, to please others. I'm sure you had a good time with your friends.
I'll remember you next November H.I.
It's Happy Birthday from me... Lucky I'm not there in Greece, I don't think there's a St Keith...
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